Program Overview

Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning

The Master's Program in Community and Regional Planning (CRP) provides the theoretical foundations, specific skills, and practical experience to succeed in professional planning and related policy careers. The program consists of 48 credit hours of coursework that includes the preparation of a Master's Professional Report or Thesis.

Program Structure

• Each student is expected to complete 3 core courses, 4 methods courses, a 6-hour planning practicum, and a professional report or thesis.
• An internship, while not required, is highly recommended for those choosing the professional report option.
• The core courses are designed to be taken in sequence.
• Students also have a wide range of elective courses to choose from and are encouraged to select electives that they feel will best prepare them for their future careers.

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum is designed to provide the foundation and skills for professional planning practice, as well as an understanding of the institutions and social, economic, and physical environments that constitute the context of contemporary planning. The core curriculum provides a breadth of planning knowledge, including planning methods, history, theory, law, and finance.

Planning Practicum

The Planning Practicum is an intensive, applied research course where students apply the skills they have learned to real-world planning problems, often in partnership with a client. In some cases, a Practicum may be spread over two semesters via two three-credit-hour courses. In some cases, a studio course in Urban Design, Historic Preservation, or another field may satisfy the Practicum requirement. Such cases must be approved by the Community and Regional Planning Graduate Adviser.

Electives

Electives are normally selected based on student interests. Students are encouraged to discuss electives that match their interests with either the Graduate Adviser or faculty members that share their interests. Elective coursework may also include up to 6 hours of electives from outside the School of Architecture.

Professional Report or Thesis

The MSCRP Program culminates in an individual project that demonstrates students' professional competence. This may be in the form of an approved Master's Thesis or a Professional Report conducted under the supervision of a faculty committee selected by the student and approved by the Graduate Adviser.

Internships

While internships are not a program requirement, many students choose to do them and find them valuable. Interns typically work in a public, nonprofit or private institution in a planning-related field or activity. To receive credit, students must submit a letter from their employer confirming they have offered an internship at the time of enrollment, work for 300 hours as an intern, and submit another letter confirming completion of the internship along with either a summary report on their internship experience or a sample of the work they completed to the CRP Graduate Adviser. Internships can only be taken once for credit toward the MSCRP degree.

Program Details

• Degree Requirements: The program consists of 48 credit hours of coursework.
• Core Courses: 3 core courses are required, designed to be taken in sequence.
• Methods Courses: 4 methods courses are required.
• Planning Practicum: A 6-hour planning practicum is required.
• Professional Report or Thesis: Students must complete a Master's Professional Report or Thesis.
• Electives: Students can choose from a wide range of elective courses, including up to 6 hours from outside the School of Architecture.
• Internship: While not required, internships are highly recommended and can be taken for credit.